Prominent leaders and stakeholders from Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to end the state of emergency in Rivers State and immediately reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly.
The calls come amid growing public pressure and political developments following the president’s March 18, 2025 declaration of emergency rule in the state, which included the six-month suspension of Fubara and key state officials amid a deepening political crisis.
Background: Emergency Rule in Rivers State
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following a prolonged power struggle between Governor Fubara and key political actors, including Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, his political predecessor. As part of the declaration, Tinubu suspended the elected officials and installed Ibas as a sole administrator of the state.
The move was widely criticized as unconstitutional and undemocratic by civil society groups, political analysts, and regional leaders.
South-South Leaders Speak Out
Speaking on behalf of concerned citizens in the region, Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, Convener of the South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG), stated:
“The time is now for the emergency rule to be lifted. Barring last-minute maneuvering from Tinubu’s peace efforts, Fubara should have been reinstated by now. There’s no need to wait until the six-month timeline expires. If we keep dwelling on past political drama, we risk stalling progress.”
Similarly, Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), condemned the ongoing emergency rule:
“We strongly opposed the president’s action from the start and will continue to do so until full constitutional order and democratic governance are restored in Rivers State.”
Reconciliation Between Fubara and Wike
Amid efforts to de-escalate tensions, President Tinubu recently brokered a reconciliation between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike, ending years of political rivalry. The two were seen together alongside State Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule at the funeral of Wike’s uncle, Elder Temple Omezuruike Onuoha, held on June 28, 2025, in Rumuepirikom, Rivers State.
Though the public display signaled a potential thaw in relations, Wike later told journalists that the details of the peace agreement would remain confidential, declining to confirm when or if Fubara would be reinstated.
What’s Next?
While the official six-month emergency period is scheduled to end on September 18, 2025, South-South leaders insist that President Tinubu has the constitutional power—and moral obligation—to restore democratic leadership in Rivers without delay.
With national elections on the horizon and growing unrest in oil-rich states, the outcome of the Rivers political standoff could set a precedent for federal-state relations and democratic integrity across the country.
